Why I Write Historical Romance: Where History, Faith, and Love Meet
Why History Comes Alive Through Story
Although history interests me, it’s not usually through social studies textbooks or dense nonfiction. I’m not looking for 500-page tomes filled with every single detail. That’s one reason why I write historical romance. Events, people, and culture come alive when history is told like a story. This approach lets me enjoy the details, yet still take away the bigger picture. I ask what happened, why it mattered, and how it shaped the world we live in today?
Living in Other People’s Pasts Through Fiction
So I learn and enjoy history best when it’s embedded in fiction. In addition, living in someone else’s past lets me imagine myself in their shoes. How would I survive, and thrive in a time very different from my own? It’s a chance to mull over the decisions, struggles, and triumphs of ordinary people who faced extraordinary circumstances.
How the Past Shapes Our Present and Future
But the past isn’t just a story on a page—it’s the foundation of our present. Every generation inherits both the challenges and triumphs of those who came before us. By studying history and considering how our culture and society have evolved, we gain insight into who we are today. And we see how our actions will influence tomorrow. Our family histories, journals, and oral stories keep this legacy alive, connecting us across time. Yet, there’s even a deeper connection.
Faith, Heritage, and Our Shared Cultural Story
In addition to learning about our country’s founding, Western civilization, and the role of Judeo-Christian values helps us understand how societies can improve over time. It also shows how faith has guided the generations. This perspective adds richness to our personal identity and our shared culture. Recognizing the moral and spiritual threads woven through history reminds us of the legacy we inherit—and the legacy we leave behind.
Why I Write Historical Romance
Moreover it’s my hope that my historical romance stories will bring this legacy and these lessons to life. Through my characters, I explore qualities like determination, honor, truth, and commitment—values that endure across generations. I aim to create loving, redemptive relationships that reflect the best of human nature and the image of God, all set against the backdrop of history. And that’s where faith, hope, and love tie entwine with history.
Faith, Hope, and God’s Presence Through All Generations
Ultimately, no matter the era or circumstances, our relationship with God remains not only our greatest hope, but also our greatest glory. He is with us through all generations. When we follow Christ and abide in Him, He becomes our source of joy, strength, and purpose—both in our daily lives and for eternity.
Bringing History to Life in Risking It All
So, these are some of the thoughts and values I hold when writing my historical romance stories. I hope they’ll give you reason to pause and reflect as you read your next historical romance. I also hope you’ll enjoy this small slice of history through the exploration of this small old country church and the pump organ that helped inspire work in my story, Risking It All. It’s fun to research and and share some of my findings with my readers. And I really enjoyed spending time sharing memories and stories with old friends.
If you’d like more content and more insider information, please sign up for my newsletter at https://jeri-stockdale.kit.com/newsletter. Thanks for visiting!
Blessings,
Jeri